"Smart" or "intelligent" textiles incorporate conductive fibres and embedded electronics, which is pretty clever. However fashion and electronics are markedly different fields – most smart textiles are designed with an emphasis on technical performance rather than aesthetics. They’re smart, but not very smart.

Michele Peddie’s research knits together (ahem) technical skills and design aesthetics, resulting in the construction of conductive yarns that are indistinguishable in appearance and handling characteristics from standard wool yarn. The research makes it possible to knit conductive circuits into garments that combine operational performance with good looks. Join Michele to hear about her curious journey bridging the worlds of design and abstract engineering.